The story is told of a pastor who never ministered to an individual or family in his church without first checking a current record of their financial contributions. The more generous they were with their money, the more generous he was with his time.

Picture yourself at church or Bible study when suddenly two visitors enter the room. The first visitor is a wealthy man, as evidenced by his expensive jewelry and designer clothes. The second visitor is a homeless man, who lives alone, drools and dresses poorly. How would you respond to each visitor? Would you give the rich man the best seat in the house and make sure that he is comfortable? Your true motives will be revealed not in the way you treat the rich man but by the way you treat the less fortunate man when he walks in. Do you show him equal honor, or do you simply ignore him. Like the Father, Jesus also extended the offer of salvation to men and women of every race, social class, and moral standing. As you have opportunities to minister to others today, don’t be influenced by externals such as looks, clothing or economic level. Do as Jesus did: treat them with compassion, and speak the truth without compromise.

“For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man “You stand here,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 2:2-4)

PRAYER 4 TODAY

Lord, help me to see others as You see them, without prejudice and partiality. Allow me to reserve all judgments that are based on superficial qualities and look to ones heart. Lord we don’t know why people are where they are in life, but You do. Let us remember that no matter what or how much we have, what we dress like or who we are, You are impartial. May we treat everyone we meet as You have treated us.

THOUGHT 4 TODAY

Today, praise the Lord for His impartiality. Ask Him for special grace as you reach out to others.